The Port of Málaga has launched an initiative to strengthen its international connectivity through direct commercial actions with companies from Peru and Chile, consolidating its profile as a strategic hub for the traffic of horticultural products from Latin America to Europe. According to information from the Málaga Port Authority, the institutional and business mission, carried out between March 8 and 18, aims to position this Andalusian facility as a preferential entry point for Latin American exporters. During the mission, the Málaga delegation, accompanied by Noatum Terminal Málaga, the Málagaport Foundation, and ICEX, held meetings in Lima with representatives from Peru's agri-food sector interested in diversifying maritime routes to Europe.

The president of the Port Authority, Carlos Rubio Basabe, emphasized "the importance of the network of contacts established during these commercial missions, which has allowed us to showcase the opportunities of the Port of Málaga for both importers and exporters, especially due to the efficiency and personalized attention offered to all operators. " Rubio Basabe also thanked the institutional support: "The participation of ICEX and, in particular, the support of the Spanish Ambassador in Lima, Mr. Alejandro Abellán, has been of great help during this mission.

" For the third consecutive year, the Málaga delegation strengthened its relationship with the Peruvian agro-export sector, highlighting that traffic between Peru and Málaga grew by 45% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Among the main products exported from Peru to Spain are avocado, grapes, asparagus, artichokes, mangoes, and onions, whose movement has increased thanks to the specialization of Málaga companies in the preparation and ripening of Latin American fruit. During the visit, the delegation was received by the Spanish ambassador in Peru, Alejandro Abellán, who convened business association executives to discuss logistical and commercial opportunities.

The director of the Port Authority, José Moyano, participated in the XXXIX International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026, highlighting the role of maritime logistics and refrigerated cargo management to enhance the competitiveness of agricultural exports. The year 2026 also marks the beginning of commercial activities for the Port of Málaga in Chile, where the delegation has established initial contacts with companies and international shipping lines, thus expanding its reach in South America. Málaga's commercial strategy is based on its positioning as a boutique port in southern Europe, a category reserved for medium-sized ports that offer personalized and high-quality logistical services.

The port benefits from a geostrategic location at the crossroads of Atlantic and Mediterranean routes and guarantees 24-…

The traffic of refrigerated containers showed significant growth: in 2025, 4,300 units were moved, compared to 3,027 the previous year, consolidating the port as a reference for the horticultural sector. This increase is accompanied by a rise in the capacity of slots for maritime services linking Málaga with Latin America. The Port of Málaga has been classified as the fastest-growing port in the Spanish port system for the second consecutive year, according to the Port Authority itself.

In 2025, the facility achieved a growth of 24. 3%, with a total traffic of 5,615,007 tons. The previous year, growth was 76.

4%, with 4,514,921 tons mobilized. President Carlos Rubio pointed out the progressive increase in solid bulk, an essential traffic for the local business fabric, especially due to imports of cereals and animal feed. Although there was a slight decline in these imports in 2025, the institution explained that the reason was the rise in national agricultural production following a period of increased rainfall.

In the export sector, the port has boosted mineral traffic, especially dolomite from the mines in Coín. Vehicle transport has also been reinforced, reaching 109,797 units in 2025, a 26. 9% increase compared to 86,446 in 2024.

The port distributes vehicles throughout southern Iberia and southern Portugal, with brands such as Renault, Dacia, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and BYD. The regular Málaga-Melilla line recorded a movement of 365,503 passengers and 82,891 vehicles in 2025. "These figures make the facility a reference port for Melillans accessing the peninsula by sea," stated Carlos Rubio.

Container traffic has consolidated as the growth engine of the port in 2025, with a 51. 3% increase compared to 2024. In terms of tonnage, 3,891,420 tons were moved, driven by a 138.

3% growth in exports. Rubio remarked: "The Port of Málaga is the fastest-growing in connectivity in the world," adding: "We have the privilege of being directly connected to almost the entire world. " The international connectivity of the facility has been strengthened with agreements with shipping lines such as MSC Dragón, linking Málaga with the Far East, China, and Korea; Himalaya Express, with India and Arabia; Emusa, with the United States; West Med Suez, with Brazil; Canada Express, with Canada; Intra Spain, with Morocco and Valencia; and the MSV line of Havajo, connecting with Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Costa Rica.

In the cruise segment, Málaga recorded a 21. 3% increase in passengers and a 19% increase in calls, with a total of 570,481 passengers in 2025, consolidating itself as one of the main ports in southern Spain. Investments and digitalization have also been a focus.

The director of the public body, José Moyano, indicated that in the last two years, the Port Authority has advanced in the digital integration of all processes, both administrative and operational, highlighting the implementation of the new Electronic Headquarters and the digitalization of port operations. Regarding investments, the creation of a New Border Control Post was announced, which will involve an investment of 6 million euros and facilitate the inspection and control of goods from third countries. Additionally, the port has conducted its first operation supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to a cargo ship, a measure aimed at reducing emissions in port activities.

"The commitment remains very clear," Moyano stated, detailing that the goal is to minimize the days with poor air quality, a figure that dropped to just four days in 2025. In the ethical and compliance realm, Moyano mentioned the implementation of a whistleblower channel, risk matrices, the creation of a Compliance Committee, staff training, and the updating of the Ethical Code, along with reinforced financial control policies. The Port of Málaga closed 2025 with operating income of 21.

9 million euros and a result of 6. 8 million. Revenue sources include cruises (23.

1%), solid bulk (12. 8%), containers (12. 4%), regular lines with North Africa (11.

4%), recreational boating (10. 2%), the city port (10. 1%), vehicles in cargo regulation (4.

5%), liquid bulk (2. 3%), and other concepts (13. 2%).

According to the Málaga Port Authority, the capture of new international traffic and the improvement of connectivity reinforce the port's role as a logistical and economic engine of southern Europe.